Inter-institutional cooperation in allied health educational planning: a case for statewide studies

During the fall of 1977, a committee of educators and health planners conducted a study to compile data concerning numerous features of allied health education programs in Wisconsin. Such information was seen as vital in enhancing articulation of educational efforts and in implementing policy decisions in the 1980s. The authors of this paper served as project associate and chairman, respectively, for the committee. This paper reviews aspects of the Wisconsin study and the factors which the authors believe necessitate the undertaking of similar studies at this time in other states. Some of the problems in data collection, retrieval, and reporting are summarized. The paper makes suggestions for gaining support and increasing participation in such endeavors among different groups. Important outcomes of the present study are highlighted, and the utility of basic research of this kind is explored briefly.